Welcome to Clay and Beyond . . . Clay and Beyond was conceived for artistic expression through ceramics and organic materials, emphasizing natural textures, colors and forms found in nature and incorporating man-made influences to produce objects which inspire beauty and imagination. The artifacts offered through Clay and Beyond will hopefully bring beauty and inspiration to their viewers.

Did you see us . . .

2012 Vallejo Open Studio

Meet The Artist

Dear Friends, When I retired in September 2006, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life in terms of activities and hobbies. It wasn’t until 2007 that I decided to return to school at Solano Community College near my home to brush-up on my English grammar skills and pursue something totally new, Ceramics. Up until this time, I had no real interest in ceramics unless they were Japanese ceramics; then I found myself gravitating to them not really knowing or understanding the attraction. I especially found in their texture, color, symmetry and simplicity, virtues, which in my own life gave me, pleasure thru balance, beauty and harmony. This was the connection for me; ceramics allowed me emulate nature's beauty. So thus began my endeavor into the world of ceramics and the beauty it inspires me to try and create. Currently, my work consists of stoneware, wheel-thrown and hand built pieces, fired to cone 10 in either electric or gas kiln, and occasionally wood fired. I have been wheel throwing and hand-building clay for almost 4 years, and hope to continue it for the rest of my life . . . I have so much more to learn about clay. If I were to define clay, I would say: “clay is the earth upon which we live, and fire serves to strengthen and bring color into our world.” Clay and Beyond is my own personal expression and interpretation of the beauty I find in working and creating in clay and other natural materials.I hope you like what you see here! Regards,Michael Marino